New Year New Start......

I am admittedly, a cluttered stamper.  My stamping space is a total disaster. Those of you that come here for stamp workshops know just truly what a mess I am.  The desk gets worse anytime a deadline approaches, and usually they're clustered together making for a truly ginormous mess!

And you know what happens when you clean and organize? You make MORE (in my case, much more...) of a mess before it gets better.  I cleaned, eliminated excess, discovered lots of trash (and about gazillion dimensional backings under my desk) and freecycled a ton of scraps to another crafter here in town.  I was in fact shocked to see how much I've "collected" over the last year. 

With a gift certificate from my mother to The Container Store, I got set up with some Elfa Shelving which my husband is now installing. (Thanks MOM!) We bought the shelves in the top half of this photo here.  Many hours to go before I can have any photos to show you...  sounds like reorganization is going all around blogland today. 

I'll be back with photos once everything is installed and I've found new homes for all my stuff!  I can't wait!

Wishing you all a happy and safe New Years!

e-girl Notes

Here's a little notebook I created for a blogging friend using a DVD tin which I altered with one of my very favorite new paper collections "Urban Prairie" from Basic Grey.  The stamp set is "Who's that e-girl" from My Favorite Things. 

Lots of paper piecing possibilities for this set.  I pieced the skirt, couch and wallpaper.  What a girly fun room is this?

The sentiment "Notes" is stamped with my Just Rite Rectangular stamper and the Brayton Font kit.  

I adore these felt flowers from Petaloo that I found in the My Favorite Things online store.  I've had fun popping them onto projects here and there.  They come in such a variety of fun colors, each package has a variety of sizes, and I love how durable these flowers are.  I must say paper flowers worry me that they'll be destroyed before they get to their destination!  

Inside is a little notepad that I trimmed down to size with the help of my carl cutter.  The left hand side has a little pocket to tuck in receipts, or lists etc.  Edited to add: Just a quick note that I certainly did not come up with this fun idea myself.... I remember lots of people making these around this time last year. Most notably I remember this sweet one that my friend Jenn made last year!!! That's why it pays to read a million blogs and stock up on alterables right??

Are you looking forward to some new MFT in the new year?  Our January launch party will be Wednesday, January 7th. And, got a few new samples to share, one of which is my new favorite card ever.  I'm tickled PINK to share it with you.  Previews will begin on Monday, January 5th!!

Playing with New Toys!

My house is completely over run with the boys new things from Christmas, and we've been playing new board games, reading new books, assembling new legos etc etc.  But finally, I was able to squeeze in a little stamping time after everyone in my house fell asleep the last night. 

My sweet sister bought me a Copic Airbrush starter kit, and I simply couldn't WAIT to try it out.  My "Home Tweet Home" stamp set from Gina K was calling my name, in particular that adorable little picket fence and birdhouse image.  

I colored in the grass and the birdhouse and then stamped a mask for the birdhouse and the picket fence.  Once they were covered up I used a light blue marker and the airbrush to color in the background.  Voila, a perfectly white picket fence!  I'm looking forward to more practice with this tool, but what a fun first attempt!  

This paper has been in my stash since this summer, it is the Chick a Doo from SEI

and finished off with a bow of what was left of my Certainly Celery grosgrain ribbon.  The card base is made with Gina K's Pure Luxury cardstock.  I just bought two new packages because I'm finding I'm completely addicted to it.  It is finished off with a little coordinating cardstock on the inside too.

If you've got a little stamping time to play then come on over to the Gina K Member Company Forum. 

Gina is holding a different challenge each day - lots of fun ideas to get your creativity working over the holidays!

I've also started a little challenge using bows and buttons (my favorite embellishment combination) and at least one item on your card must be askew. The challenge is open till January 2nd!  

Snow for You!

Just a super quick post today, with a card I'd forgotten to share before now.  My crafting lately has been wrapping, which honestly just doesn't scratch that creative itch of mine!

We haven't been able to put a single present under the tree yet because my little man will destroy them - I can't wait to see their little faces when they come down tomorrow morning.  Last night, I admired the wrapped packages and gave myself a big pat on the back for excercizing a little restraint this year.  I didn't whip out any extra credit cards and put myself into hock for the first half of 2009.   Yeah me. Now I have to just hope that my snooping husband doesn't find his present tonight.  I only  brought it into the house this afternoon, its been hiding at my sisters house because he is a present peeker EXTRAORDINARIE!!

This is another card using "Made of Snow" by Paper Trey Ink.  This lovely vintage looking paper is last years Basic Grey "Figgy Pudding"  oh, how I adore Christmas paper.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday, my six year old just asked if he could go to bed now so that it can already be tomorrow! Giggle. How cute is that??

just a little find: Little First Act Discovery

Today I have another "find" for you for any littles on your holiday shopping list.  

I received samples of both the Parker Piano Musical Learning Pal and the Crawl n'Go Drum from Little First Act Discovery.  I was am so excited because I've often found that music will settle even the most unruly little toddlers, and is the activity most likely to guarantee full cooperation and participation during my daycare hours.  

Little First Act Discovery is brought to you by First Act, Boston based manufacturer of musical instruments for people of all ages.  In fact, check out this list of impressive artists using First Act equipment!  So you know that when they design an instrument for a child, it will be top notch!

Even though Parker is designed for babies 6 months and older, my three year old is captivated by the musical notes and activities built in.  I think he'll be quite sad when this is shared with his newborn cousin! (Oh goodness, he's hugging Parker with a giant smile as I'm typing this to you, so sweet!)  

Parker is soft and cuddly and his bright colors and black and white patterns would be so attractive to a little one.  As a parent and child care provider, I'm thrilled that the music and the voices are nice to listen to and not too loud.  Parker has sing along to familiar childhood tunes like "Row Row Row Your Boat," "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and of course, every one's favorite "ABCs."  He also teaches rhythm with a clap along activity and demonstrates pitch with the song "Let's Sing a High Note."  

The second toy that I received for a review from Little First Act is the Crawl and Go Drum.  It comes with three little instruments that stack securely inside the drum.  As a parent, that's a fantastic for keeping the pieces together which can often times be a problem around here.... as a daycare provider I recognize that its also a great feature for shape sorting and object permanence (you know, meaning that just because you can't see it, the object still exists!) 

Imagine your little ones delight when they see that when the push the button the top flips up and there are the three little shakers!  The little handheld shakers are also wonderful for hand eye coordination! See, they've thought of everything.    It is no wonder that this toy was given an award by iParenting as one of the best products of 2008!

The music on the crawl and go drum is very pleasant, upbeat and I'm laughing right now watching all the kids dance around to it.  For a very young baby, they can push the drum and watch it roll along, the design keeps it from getting too far ahead of them, and as long as they push it, the music plays.  Developmentally I love that it reinforces the idea of cause and effect for the littlest ones. 

If you have any last minute gifts to pick up, these sweet toys are available at Toys R Us, Target and Walmart -   I'm just thrilled with the quality of these products and I just know that my little niece will love playing with them!  Now to decide if she'll be playing with them at our house, or hers, I know what my crew votes... here!!

Enabler Alert!!

I've got a major enabler alert for you!  Gina K is going to be doing a count down to New Years Blog Candy next week.  You know that she's madly generous with the blog candy, so don't forget to check her posts all next week! I'm sue whatever it is, you won't want to miss it!!

I also just got a newsletter that she's having a sale! Be sure to check out her Crazy Copic Christmas Sale!  (available only while supplies last.  Better get there before Santa does!!) 

Now, back to my previously scheduled WRAPPING!

Mr Cute Boy and his Reindeer

I'm really loving these originally sized Elzybells.  I can't wait till the store opens again in January to pick up a few more!!  

This was a special Christmas card for a friend, and fellow addicted crafter, who had been in on the "approval process for my standard family and friends card.  I wanted to surprise her with something she hadn't yet seen. 

This sweet little guy and his Rudolph are colored with Copic markers, and you'll see that "Mr Cute Boy" has lots of liquid applique for his Santa-esque coat and hat.  Lastly, I added some ground snow with my Diamond Dust. 

 The cardstock base is Paper Trey Ink's Pure Poppy (a truly luscious red!) and the designer paper is Wassail from Basic Grey.  

December has been a fun month, exceptionally busy, but fun.  I'm so looking forward to sharing the holidays with my family....  the boys are both old enough to really get excited about the holiday, and my eldest is hoping to learn to skate this week.  Hopefully we'll be getting the littlest one all ready for ski lessons which begin in January. 

I'll have a few quick blog posts over the next few days as my daycare business is closed, and my husband will be home from work too!  Lots of fun planned with the boys and lots of rest, and relaxation.  I'm sure I'll be crafting now and again on some upcoming deadlines, but mostly I'll be taking a little blog break.  

Looking forward to visiting with you in the New Year!  

Have a great day!

 

 

Merry Christmas!!

At long last, here's the Christmas card that I taunted you with only pieces of.  As I've mentioned, these were a lot of work, because I just can't say no to layers and embellishments and ribbon and buttons and such. 

I did have a crazy thought that I'd run all the cardbases through my Janome and sew all these panels- but reason set in when remembered that I was creating 100 cards this way.  I also had my heart set on 100 nice loopy bows, but sadly, I had to give in on that wish too.  I wanted to be sure I could mail each card with standard postage, and I knew my buttons were already putting that in jeopardy!  

This is Cornish Heritage Farm's "Joyeux Noel" stamp set and the paper is from October Afternoon.  I love the rustic detail of this image, and the beautifully scripted sentiment.  I remember I first saw this set used by Amy Rohl and then added it to my shopping cart the next day. She has some seriously beautiful creations on her blog "Ink About Me." I must say, if you don't already read her blog.... get going!

My husband thinks I'm totally crazy, but it was well worth it and I actually can't believe how quickly I was able to get the job done and somehow, I managed to keep this blog populated with newness too!  

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday, filled with all the people you love best!

Snowy Sketchy Day

It has now been snowing since Friday afternoon and will snow here again all day today.  It is beautiful outside my window, and feeling very Christmasy. Our neighborhood is not on a main road, so there is barely any traffic coming through, save for the rare adventurous neighbor.... I'm going out for a snowy walk around the block and perhaps do a little sledding with my husband and the boys. 

Its feeling so very cozy in my Lazy Pants and enjoying my warm Christmas candles burning, and my George Winston Christmas music off my ipod... but it such a winter wonderland out there that boys NEED to go play a little.  

Last night, I stalled on my "to do" list a little bit and just wanted to play with two of my favorite sketch challenges.  

My friend Karen is the Featured Cupcake Sampler for Taylor this week, so how could I not play to celebrate. Besides, the sketch is super cute, and just right for this sweet set from The Cat's Pajamas that has not so quietly been calling my name!  Sprinkle is dressed in a paper pieced scrap of this Stampin Up Ski Slope designer paper, and then given lots of liquid applique details.    

Since my Ski Slope paper was already in use, and quite honestly, because I have lots of it, I decided to also use it in Jen's Sketch for You To Try this week.  

Again, I had a particular set in mind that I've been wanting to pull out and use again, Cornish Heritage Farm's "Heartwarmer's"    

I will admit, all those circles terrified me, but I turned one into a bow placement, one the sentiment, and one is a clear button to which I added a circular punchout of paper coated with glitter.  

After our little adventure outside, I'm looking forward to a lunch of minestrone soup I made in preparation for the snowstorm on Friday, a Christmas movie for the boys, and hopefully LOTS more stamp time for me!

Snowmen with Shimmerz on a Snowy Snowy Day!

I've always loved Alli Miles work, and I've long been a favorite of the clean and simple cards that she makes from time to time using Nesties strictly for embossing.  You can see a recent example of what I mean on this post.  

So here I am, shamelessly emulating one of my Design Idols, and former Design Team buddies!  ((hugs Alli!))

This sweet little snowman is "Made of Snow" from Paper Trey Ink.  I adore that you can totally customize your snowman.  There are choices of scarves, choices of hats, and then various heads, bodies, faces etc so that you can completely design it however you'd like.  And, of course, since they are clear acrylic you get perfect placement every time.

I colored in the snowman's accessories with my B00 and B52 Copic markers, and added a shadow with my W1 marker.  Using my craft knife, I created an opening just large enough to thread through some of my striped Baja Breeze grosgrain ribbon from Stampin Up and then secured a bow.  I finished off the inside of the card with some scraps of Ski Slope designer paper.  I loved the sweet sentiment, but since I'd gone with a 4 1/4 square card, it was just too long for my design. So instead, I stamped it onto the envelopes - equally cute.  

I thought about using my B000 copic marker to color in a background for this sweet man of snow, but then had a true a-ha moment. Shimmerz!! I grabbed an aquapainter and I added a glistening coat of shine all over my Frosty's.  I just love that stuff, its mess free, quick drying and was just the right touch!  I'm frequently lugging my supplies upstairs to work where my hubster is watching TV, so being able to work without making a big old mess is ideal for me.  He's always laughing at me coating myself in glitter! 

Liquid applique was used to give some "puff" to the pom pom, hat brim and all the polka dots on the scarf.  I love that stuff, so fun!

We had a big road trip to celebrate Christmas with my in laws today, but a big snow in the northeast has precluded the trip.  Its so beautiful outside right now... and I love being all nestled up with a hot chocolate, and of course some stamps too!

Have a wonderful day!

Hopes, Dreams and Wishes. Make them come true

While I know that this year has been exceptionally difficult for so many of us, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on all the good things that happened this year.  What was your proudest moment, your happiest moment, or your greatest memory from 2008?  

This year was certainly not without challenges, but I will say that so many of my dreams became a reality for me this year.  I'm so happy to have been able to share it with all of you each day. I'm looking forward to the next year, and the many adventures that each new day promises. 

Let YOUR dreams come true this year. What are you wishing for in 2009?  I'd love to know..... 

----------

I thought I'd take a little break from Christmas items to share a card I made for the Gina K Designs launch last week.

This set, titled "Take Flight" is the One Free with Three set this month.  I stamped the butterfly with Brilliance ink, then applied clear embossing powder and warmed it with my heat tool.  I just love the extra touch of shine all over to bring this butterfly to life.  

Then I colored the remaining portions with my R11, R20 and E33 markers.  I did stamp the butterfly also directly to the patterned paper so that I could pop up his wings for some extra dimension.

I'm hooked on creating cards with my image panels askew lately.  Just creates new spaces to include embellies, tie ribbons etc.  

I used a fun tip that I picked up from my buddy Karen.   I call it "Karen-ing It" and by that, I mean that I used my Copic marker to outline the debossed edge of my nestie - creates a nice faux layer.

Have a great day, and a wonderful weekend. I'll be back with my Christmas card on Monday. By then, they should hopefully have all reached their destination.   

Tired of Tins?

Edited to add: The designer paper I used here is October Afternoon. This particular line is titled "Good Cheer."  So sorry I forgot to include that information earlier! 

Hope you're not tired of my altered tins, because guess what, I've got another one!

This is a tin that I created for "Rick the Mail Guy" to go along with his Christmas card.  His card is my favorite that I posted to this month's Dirty Dozen Gallery.  Of course, it was so laden with layers and dirty goodness, that I couldn't stuff it into an envelope and crush that pretty bow!

Instead I tucked it into a flat cellophane bag, taped it shut and walked down to the mailbox the other day with his card and this little box of goodies when I heard his truck vrrrrming down the street.

I made my little charm for my ribbon bow with the help of the curly label punch, and ahem, lots of layers.  I stamped the image three times onto Very Vanilla cardstock. Then I punched one with the Curly Label Punch from Stampin Up.  Then I trimmed off the vanilla border off the next so that you just had the curly label shape in Riding Hood Red, then I hand trimmed that center oval off the third and popped each layer up onto the one before it with dimensionals.

I'm so sure I'm NOT the first person to notice this, but if you punch out two shapes Curly Label Punch, and turn them at opposing angles to eachother, you'll have one wide one, and one tall one.  It makes for an interesting border for people who like layers. Guess who does... ME!

Lastly, I punched a little hole with my handheld punch, threaded a piece of linen thread through one side of the button, around my bow and then back up through the second hole in the button, tied up my little bow and shazam! Done!

And guess what, after filling treat tins, I still have a very smallish supply of chocolate covered cranberries left over.  Gee shucks, the boys are allergic to them.  I guess they're all mine!!

Ski Slope Preschool Sweets

I ordinarily wouldn't be posting twice on one day, but time is running out for me to share all my holiday projects!!  If you're feeling the pinch, both from a time perspective, and of course financially, you can quickly and easily whip up some treats for all those little gifts you need to give this time of year.

I feel badly that Stampin Up has been so neglected over here.  So, here's a little more SU love for you all!

Since I of course have LOTS of designer paper, I was able to put together these cute little tins and matching gift cards just using up some scraps I had from older cards, and a stamp from a set that I've used, but I just hadn't cut into this particular stamp yet.  This paper is my very new favorite, "Ski Slope."  

I used the hostess set "Punches Three" for the sentiment on the little tin.  I stamped it with Baja Breeze ink on the same color paper then punched it with my scalloped square punch.  Then stamped the same image with Baja to Whisper White cardstock, and hand trimmed out just that center portion.  With my hand punch I added a teeny hole to one corner, then threaded a little linen thread bow to hold the tag in place.  These will be filled with chocolate squares courtesy of my friend Audra!!

The card is actually a pop up gift card holder, which was a recent Splitcoast Technique Challenge.  I used "Big on Christmas" and my Stampin Up Markers.  Since my bucket o glitter was handy, I glittered up the words so that you didn't notice my Ruby Red marker isn't exactly a perfect match for the Riding Hood Red cardstock.  I stamped the tree separately and popped it up with a dimensional.  This will hold a Dunkin Donuts gift card because heaven knows, preschool teachers need caffeine!

I'm going in on the preschool gifts with some local friends, I'm making the items, another friend bought the chocolate, another friend is running the errand to pick up the gift card and we're all going to split the cost.  

Hope you're making good progress against your to do lists!!  

Elves? Martinis? I'll take some of both!

I'm so relieved to have my cards done, it was a labor of love for sure, and I'm very glad I made them, but its been fun to get to just play a little too!

This is, a giant card.  Its 5 1/4 x 6 1/2, but I really really wanted to use "Merry Christmas?" from MFT because this so epitomizes how I'm feeling right now, and I wanted to use the fabulous MFT Sketch Challenge #60.  In order to get the proportions right, I had to go big.....

I figure, back in the day, when I bought cards at Hallmark, cards were bigger than this anyways.

The background is cuttlebugged with the folder with all the ornaments on it, I had to run it through two times to get this full panel done, but its okay, the seam is behind the vertical striped panel!  

After I cuttlebugged, it, I crumpled it all up then flattened it out again to give it an worn look.  Then sewed everything down.

This paper is Fa La La from Making Memories along with a package of coordinating ribbon I tripped across this afternoon during a cleanup (whoops.) 

Today is a new release day for MFT's "BcDzns" line and lots of girls on the team will have previews for you, you can begin the blog hop over on Kim's blog. Don't forget to check out this month's Hot to Trot Designer Jana Hull along the way!

Its also Wednesday which means you'll find a new Challenge, Tutorial and of course, the Wednesday Hookup!  Get going on over on the Splitcoast Member Company Forum for My Favorite Things to check it all out! 

Teacher Treats - SU Style!

My kindergartener is headed off to school with these treats for his teachers.  We've had such a great start this year, and the teachers have been just SO accommodating with all my allergy concerns. 

We made these altered tins at my most recent SU workshop.  I'll be showing the little 8oz square tins in the next few days as I wrap up several for the preschool teachers! 

I picked up my tins at Right at Home Scrapboking, (By the way Lisa has lots more alterables in stock for your gift giving needs if you have gifts to be made!!) 

All the papers and stamps are from Stampin Up.  These do come together SO quickly, and with the double sided coordinating papers, you just can't go wrong!  I used the Ski Slope papers and the Dear Friends Hostess Set from Stampin Up.  

I added the scalloped tags with my new favorite thing, ribbons adorned with buttons and cording or linen thread.  

My Christmas cards are now all in the mail! Hooray, so I'll be able to share the full card by the end of the week.  Hope that you're having fun ticking things off your list at this busy time, and most of all, enjoying all your favorite people and traditions! 

just a little find: Stride Rite Natural Motion System

I know that usually this is a crafting blog, but I figure many of you are also moms, or aunties, or grandmothers and might be interested in some things I run across that I love!

Similar to my "just a little green" segments that I periodically write on Sundays, I thought I might title these my "just a little find" posts.  But, you all are so clever, if you've got a better idea, please drop me a comment, you know I'd love to hear it.

I received two samples from Stride Rite over the weekend. The first is from the Natural Motion System Early Walker line.  (I'll be reviewing the other pair tomorrow....)  

Let me just say that these shoes are so sweet that they almost had me wishing for little feet at my home to wear them.  Luckily, I'm the very proud auntie of an adorable baby girl that will adore them.  Just look at the sweet butterfly details on these.

But even more importantly than the adorable design of these shoes, I love that they are so well made.  They're designed with growing tootsies in mind, fully flexible, elastic in the heel (you know, to keep them on nothing worse than having only ONE cute shoe and the other hopelessly lost...)  and truly built with the healthy development of little feet in mind.

I will honestly say that I always buy my kids shoes from Stride Rite, (I'm so happy that they just opened one a little closer to home because I'd been driving a half hour for their shoes a few times a year, seriously, I'm not exaggerating.) 

For me, you just can't beat a professional fit on a shoe.  As someone who admittedly has wide feet I have a rough time finding a comfortable shoe.  There is nothing worse than an ill fitting shoe, and I just wouldn't do that to my kids!  So, I'm always happy to have my boys checked by the experts who have been trained in that department. 

The good green girl in me loves that the outsole is made of recycled rubber, and that the box is made from recycled material!  The crafter in me loves the well made, and truly adorable box that they came in. While I will be giving my niece the shoes, hey, lets be honest, I'm keeping the box.  I will be altering it, and yes, you'll see it here again as a craft project.

Tomorrow, I'll be chatting about the new pair of shoes for my three year old that Stride Rite sent to me.  If you know my little guy in real life, you know he's super picky, and very hard to please.  But even a stubborn little boy can't couldn't resist the allure of a package just for him.....   

Offer alert!  When I went to link up this post, I noticed that they have a special right now, and lets be honest, who doesn't love a deal, especially this time of year! Right now, the offer listed is buy two pairs on www.striderite.com and get free shipping. The deal however, is only valid through 11:59 PM ET, 12/16/2008. If you're nervous to buy shoes on-line, you can use their e-Fit system for help.

My Favorite....

Here's the full card that I gave you only a teeny sneak of yesterday, this was my favorite card I created for the December Splitcoast Dirty Dozen gallery, which is now open! 

Each month a rotating team of twelve designers load six to eight creations each based on a specific theme to a hidden gallery.  Usually this gallery is  only available to those members who have subscribed as members of the Fan Club.  However, as a special treat, this month, the gallery is open to all registered members of Splitcoast Stampers.

If you'd like to see what the twelve of us have been up to for the last few weeks, you can see everything here. You'll also be able to congratulate the two newest members of the team!  Hooray to my friends Amber and Dawn. 

Each month, guests are invited to participate in our challenges, and upload their creations too!  I'd love to see what you can create based on this month's theme, sketch and inspiration piece!  

If you like what you find in the December gallery, I hope you'd consider signing on as a Fan Club member. This week only, the price has been reduced to $19.95 for a one year subscription.  You'll have access to prior galleries, instant upload privileges and most of all, you'd be helping to support the greatest stamping community ever!  You can learn more and sign up here!

Splitcoast's Gift to You

Admittedly, I've been a little quieter around here than I'd like lately.  Yes, the Christmas cards, and general Christmas preparation around here has been keeping me busy.  But I've also been working on my cards for the Dirty Dozen Gallery on Splitcoast.  Usually these galleries are visible only to members of the Splitcoast Fan club, but I have some really fun news for you.....

As an extra special gift, Splitcoast Stampers is opening the December 2008 Dirty Dozen Gallery for all registered members, not only the members of the Fan Club.  If you're not a Fan Club member and wondered what the Dirty Dozen galleries contained, here's your chance to get a little sampling!!

Also wanted to mention that Splitcoast is also running a terrific special this month.  For this week only, purchase a one-year gift subscription (or renew your own) for just $19.95. Subscribe today and you'll get access to past Dirty Dozen galleries as well as next year's.

I'll have this full card to share tomorrow, but if you're really interested, you can see this card, and all the Dirty Girls December creations tonight at 12pm CST!

Design Team Call at Right at Home - and Jan Copic Kit now available

Super quick post today!  I'm running out to see "The Grinch" with my boys in Boston (Thanks Mom and Dad!) 

Before I dash out, I wanted to let you know that January's Copic Kit is now available at Right at Home Scrapbooking.  

Also, I thought I'd just mention that they're currently holding a Design Team Search, you can find all the information  here  but hurry, because applications close on Monday December 15th!!

Gina K Launch Day - Take Flight

We used to have a butterfly bush right outside my kitchen window which I loved, it smelled so lovely, and attracted a zillion butterflies, I loved to smell it and watch those beauties from my kitchen window as I washed dishes.... but can you believe that **someone** chopped it down because it interfered with his lawn mowing pattern.  That was three years ago, and yes, I'm STILL not over it.

Given how much I love those winged creatures, can you believe I don't have a single butterfly stamp till now? I know, shocking.  This lovely set is titled "Take Flight" and it is the "One Free with Three" set from Gina K Designs this month.  Both the images in this set are so beautifully and realistically illustrated.  What an amazing set to earn for FREE when you pick up three stamp sets at Gina K!! 

I stamped the image once to my Top Note die, and then once to another piece of Pure Luxury Carstock.  I colored with my copic markers, and then coated the entire butterfly with my pearlescent watercolors.  You can't see it here, but trust me when I tell you this is sooo shimmery in real life. I trimmed out the second butterfly's body, bent the wings up, and added him to my Top Note with a dimensional.

I must say, I'm so truly impressed with the variety of images across the spectrum of this months releases. So many different artistic styles, each with such attention to detail.  All from the same amazing company, with just the greatest customer service, and might I add - lightening fast shipping.

Today is the last day of previews, tonight is the launch party over on the Member Company Forum - you can find all the fun HERE beginning tonight at 7pm CST!

Gina's so generous, there are always three different challenges posted to play along with over the next few days, and three "questions" where you've got to look around for the answers.  Each contest comes with the chance at a free set!  Sweet!  And of course, the party will have lots of previews from the design team.  

Till then, you can keep yourself occupied by looking around at every one's blogs to see their beautiful butterfly creations:

Erika, Theresa, Donna, Kurtis, Jessica, Mel, Emily, Cammie, Asela, Carolina (our In the Spotlight Guest Designer this month) and, of course, GINA!

MFT Challenge Time

What's Up?? Its Wednesday!! 

I can't even believe what I'm about to say... I have 60+ cards finished, addressed, stuffed, signed and just ready to have a stamp slapped on and put into the mail!  I have another 40 for my husband signed and ready for HIM to address, stuff and tuck into the mail! He thinks he'll need another 20 to complete his list.  But considering I've got the bulk of the job done, I'm taking a wee little break..... 

Actually first I tore apart my stamping area, and re arranged some furniture down here... then once everything was cleaned up, I let myself play a little..... I just love that!!

So, while I was playing, I cranked out two cards, one you'll see here today and one card I'm saving for Friday!

I played along in the color challenge on Splitcoast the colors are Riding Hood Red, Baja Breeze and Taken With Teal.  I'll admit it, Taken with Teal frightens me. There, I said it....  So, I squeezed it into my project by using it for my cardbase, then covered up as much of it as possible. Giggle!  I ran the Baja Breeze layer through my Cuttlebug and then I softened it with some white craft ink.  

I just realized that I've combined so many challenges here.... this image "Baby Its Cold Outside" along with a little edge distressing qualifies this card for Monday's Who's That Girl challenge.

Since I added a generous helping of Diamond Dust to finish off the card, it also works for the sparkle challenge announced today!  

Jessie has posted a fantastic tutorial on how to make a Gift Card on the How'd They Do That section of the MFT Member Company Forum. Be sure to drop by to pick up a few tips and tricks.  

Thanks for looking, and have a fantastic day!

Morning Birding

Today I have a Gina K Designs preview for you illustrated by Rupa titled "Home Tweet Home."  I know I've said this before, but the illustrators have really outdone themselves this month.  

One of our morning rituals here at my house, is to watch the birds at my feeder. Its a great way to get the boys to sit at the table and actually eat their breakfast rather than run around like maniacs, and I love to sit and enjoy a hot cup of tea watching our little feathered friends.

Lately, we've had this really beautiful black and red bird with a little bit of red around his head.  You've got to be very sneaky watching him, or else he's off like a shot.  The feeder needs a refill, but brrrr its cold here in New England, I'm having a hard time convincing my husband to fill that puppy up, and me, I'm too short to reach.  So, needless to say, I was very excited when I first saw the artwork in this new set.  

I stamped the image with Memento ink, then colored with my Copic Markers.  Then I applied the Nestie right over the image, secured it with some Eclipse Masking Tape and ran it through my Cuttlebug.  Worked like a charm.  I used to always cut the nestie out first, then stamp on it, but this new system is working better for me.  What do YOU do first? Stamp then diecut, or diecut then stamp? 

What I really wanted to do was one of those beautiful Copic backgrounds... with the airbrush, but since I don't have that tool, I improvised with lots of things I DO already have.  First,  I went over my entire image with a Versamarker, applied Clear Embossing Powder and heat embossed.  Then I sponged all around my diecut shape with Soft Sky ink from SU, then did a second pass with Craft White Ink to soften the sky.  The clear embossing powder resisted the ink, so I was able to wipe it right off the main image.  I will say, I made a complete mess in the process, but that's half the fun right?

There are also some beautifully illustrated birdhouses that you might just see as you blog hop around to the Design Team this morning.  I got to say I just love preview days and jumping around to see what everyone has done.....and it gets better... there are TWO sets being revealed today. Be sure not to miss a thing by visiting: 

Gina, Erika, Theresa, Donna, Jessica, Melanie, Kurtis, Emily, Cammie and our Spotlight Designer - Carolina

Gina K Previews Begin!!

I took some time out from my Christmas card mass production this weekend and treated myself to a little work on some samples for the upcoming December Launch from Gina K Designs.  

And, let me just say, do I ever adore this set "Framed Friends" illustrated by Asela.  

These charming images come in two sizes, this size you see here, as well as an adorable miniature version that would be fantastic for the insides of your cards, creating a matching envelope, or even used all by themselves for that new fun "inchie" look.  

I just love the illustration style of this set, they're cute cute cute!  I have two more images colored that I'll be making into cards between now and Thursday.  And the font -- just so sweet!

I stamped the image with my Memento ink onto the 80 lb Pure Luxury Cardstock from Gina K and then colored with a handful of Copics.  This is a 4 1/4 square card and I added a strip of White Cardstock run through with my Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder.  I finished this off with some black polka-dotted and gingham ribbon. 

I just can't wait to see what all the other members of the DT have to show with this set today.  Gina of course will have a preview for you, and you'll see even more by stopping by to visit: Erika, Theresa, Donna, Kurtis, Jessica, Asela, Mel, Emily, Cammie, Cindy and this month's Spotlight Designer - Carolina!

I've got another preview all inky and ready for you tomorrow!  Have a great day!